Morgan Hill: Woman hit and killed by train after driving on tracks

MORGAN HILL -- A 20-year-old woman was killed after she reportedly drove a car onto railroad tracks and was hit by a cargo train, according to police.

The collision between the 1990s SUV and the Union Pacific train occurred at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday near East Central Avenue and Butterfield Boulevard.

Witnesses said the solo driver was heading westbound on East Central, then went on to the sidewalk and finally onto the railroad tracks. The train hit the SUV while traveling 40 to 50 mph, according to police.

The driver was trapped in the car and was extricated by Morgan Hill firefighters. She was transported to a hospital by a CalStar helicopter. She died at the medical center.

The woman was not immediately identified.

Police said alcohol and drugs have not been ruled out as a factor in the collision, but they are waiting for toxicology results to make a final determination.

Morgan Hill police and the Union Pacific police are investigating the collision.